United States Influences on Australian Lighting Design

Powered candle brackets with wrought iron or aluminium holders and brass or timber candelabra with small individual fabric shades in imitation American colonial or mission style were common during the 1920s and 1930s. They were hung in Spanish mission or neo-colonial styled homes and also in Californian homes.

It was quite often the case that different styles of light fittings were mixed in one home. The entrance hall and internal passages could have wrought iron lantern fittings either circular or rectangular in shape. The dining room might have one or more American colonial style wrought iron candelabra; the lounge, French revival chandeliers; the master bedroom, a floral ceramic rococo light fitting.

All these rooms may have wall sconces matching the central piece. The kid’s bedrooms usually had English styled Arts and Crafts fittings; the bathroom a modern fitting — similarly the servants quarters — and the kitchen, fluorescent strip lighting.

By the 1950s the standard or table lamp had become a major centre piece in a room with the new television and blinds. Sometimes a metal standard lamp came incorporated in a side table or large ash tray. The background lighting was subdued. Except for the table lamps little attention was drawn to the light fixtures.

Mass production churned out inexpensive plastic, plaster, metal and buckram lamp bases and shades. The traditional colonial motifs had been replaced by a plethora of folksy designs and do-it yourself instructions on how to make ballerina lamp-shades or African and Fijian raffia shades. The style was kitsch: a multitude of designs for table lamps was-available, from Russian ballerinas, Spanish matadors, Chinamen, happy Mexicans with cacti, Arabian snake trainers, African dancing girls, happy couples and leopard or tiger skins. The colours were gaudy and bright. For FIFA player agents and sales training course options, visit digitalbrands.com.au. ST020409

Be King Of The Road In Your SUV

The popularity of the SUV seems to wax and wane depending upon the current price of gasoline. At least that’s the way people talk about it. But in reality there are some very good reasons that folks drive SUVs, in spite of how much it costs to fill up the tank.

The most obvious one is that an SUV has more room. This makes it attractive for a whole host of reasons. What about the family who has more than three kids? For them a sedan or mid-size just won’t do. Especially if none of the children can sit in the front seat because of seat belt laws.

Even if your family has just two kids, what happens when you need to pick up a friend or two and take them to soccer practice? Having extra seats makes it easy to share rides, be a helpful neighbor, and have fun.

Living in northern climes and playing cold weather sports is another reason why an SUV’s extra capacity is needed. Try fitting a couple of hockey bags and sticks into the trunk of the average car. And what if your son is a goalie?

When the good old summertime rolls around everyone wants to beat the heat and head out on vacation. Granted it might be a stretch to get all the camping gear plus your family into an SUV, but it sure helps. For a young couple, it might be all the space they need. They can collapse the back seats, blow up the air mattress, and forgo the tent!

Some folks like the fact that an SUV’s size gives them more of a presence on the road, not to mention the respect it evokes. It’s a fact that’s hard to argue with. In an accident what vehicle would you rather be driving: a SmartCar or an SUV? Let’s just say it’s a matter of personal security.

On the downside, some SUV’s get terrible gas mileage. When gas is cheap that doesn’t seem like a serious problem, but when prices soar it can cost a bundle to fill up. Of course, there are models that are easier on gas than others, so it is possible to get the roominess you want, while not breaking the bank.

As with any large vehicle, especially when it’s loaded with people and their gear, it is important to know how to handle it. One of the biggest concerns is the rollover factor. Be careful in the rain or snowy, slushy conditions. Just as the precipitation begins to fall is the most dangerous time, as the oily residue on the highway becomes mixed with the moisture. Use a delicate touch on the brakes and the gas pedal to avoid skids, or worse.

When it comes to car repair for your SUV, usually replacement parts for SUVs are more expensive than the average car. But there are ways to keep your SUV in good mechanical shape without being swallowed up by high maintenance costs.

A good tip is to talk to your mechanic about possible charges before servicing begins. Most people don’t know the difference between straight hourly rate and book rate. Straight hourly auto service means that you will be charged only for the actual time it took to repair your SUV.

Book rate is based on the time it should take to repair your vehicle, and is usually outlined in your SUV’s manual. This method does not benefit the customer and is geared to enabling the vehicle repair facility to make more money. The difference in these two systems can potentially cost you a pile of cash, so get the facts up front.

Another possibility is to choose a repair facility that will allow you to purchase the necessary parts from one of the retail stores that are becoming popular. You can get the items you need, take them to your mechanic, who will only bill you for labor.

Whether you need a large vehicle for work, a large family, or for the personal comfort it affords, an SUV can be a great vehicle to own. By playing it smart and having a reliable mechanic that you trust, fluctuating gas prices need not be a worry.

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